Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist women's basketball team upset No. 8 Clarke University by a score of 71-69 in a thrilling contest, Wednesday night in Puckett Fieldhouse.
With the win, the Eagles improve to 10-5 overall and 9-5 in conference play. The Clarke to 15-2 overall and 11-2 in conference action. Tonight's loss for Clarke marks their second defeat this season and in Heart competition.
Both teams exchanged baskets and were tied at 10-10 with 4:50 on the clock in the first quarter. They kept the same intensity throughout the rest of the quarter before the Eagles were grabbed a slim lead after a three-point basket by Daryna Bachkarova with three seconds left.
Clarke regained the lead in the opening three minutes of the second before Central went on a 9-0 to take a 40-33 lead. Baskets were exchanged in the following possessions, but Central stretched its lead to 51-41 at the halftime break.
In the third quarter, the Eagles led by as many as 12 points with 2:13 left on the clock. CMU entered the fourth quarter leading by 10, but Clarke mounted a furious comeback in the closing minutes, posting an 8-0 run. The Pride had the chance to tie the game, trailing by two with just 41 seconds remaining. However, the CMU defense remained strong and held on in the final defensive possession to earn a gutsy two-point victory.
Three Eagles reached double digits, led by Bachkarova who poured in 24 points including five three-point baskets. She also added four rebounds and three assists. Leianya Massenat followed with 19 points, eight rebounds, eight steals, and three assists in over 36 minutes of action. Freshman Leah Johnson was the last Eagle to reach double digits with 14 points. She also added nine rebounds nearly earning a double-double. Michelle Nicholls added eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes of action.
As a team, Central came out on top shooting from the field, converting on 42.4-percent of its attempts compared to 34.8-percent from Clarke. From the charity stripe, the Eagles shot 75-percent against Clarke's 84.6-percent. Clarke edged CMU in the battle of the boards, grabbing 42 rebounds while CMU finished the evening with 40.
CMU will be back on the court in Puckett Fieldhouse Friday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. against Mount Mercy.
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